Hey there! I’m Jeremy Ochsner, founder and risk management advisor at Ochsner Insurance. Today, I want to address a crucial question: Insure my side-by-side, quad, or dirt bike? Let’s dive into why coverage for these vehicles is essential, especially for those of us enjoying the great outdoors in Nevada.
The Risks of Off-Road Vehicles
When it comes to vehicles like side-by-sides, quads, and dirt bikes, the risks are significant. Imagine cruising around, only to hit a rock or a deer—suddenly, your $35,000 investment is damaged, and you’re facing hefty repair bills. Without insurance, you’re left with a bent frame and a major headache.
I recently heard a story that underscores this point. A friend of mine was riding a side-by-side when another vehicle crashed down on them. Fortunately, they had uninsured motorist coverage, but the situation could have been catastrophic without adequate protection.
Don’t Rely on Others’ Coverage
A common mistake many make is basing their coverage on what others have. Just because someone else is driving without insurance doesn’t mean you should do the same. If you’re carrying high limits on your auto policy, it’s crucial to have similar limits on your side-by-side or motorcycle policy.
If an accident occurs and you cause significant bodily injury but only have minimal coverage—say $25,000 for bodily injury—your assets are at risk. An umbrella policy won’t help if your underlying coverage is insufficient. One may want to consider a UTV insurance policy.
What Coverage Do You Need?
So, what do I recommend for side-by-side, quad, and dirt bike insurance? Here are the key points:
- Match Your Auto Policy Limits: Ensure that the coverage limits on your recreational vehicles align with your auto policy. This way, your umbrella policy can effectively cover you.
- Consider Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Since these vehicles aren’t driven daily, you might think comprehensive coverage isn’t necessary. However, it can protect against theft, vandalism, and other damages.
- Competitive Premiums: You might be surprised to find that premiums for insuring your side-by-side or quad can be quite affordable. Through independent agents like Ochsner Insurance, you can often find coverage for a couple of hundred dollars a year, even for high limits like $250,000 in bodily injury.
- Be Mindful of Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If someone with low coverage causes an accident, you’ll want to ensure your policy covers you adequately. Set your limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to match your bodily injury limits.
Final Thoughts
Insuring your side-by-side, quad, or dirt bike isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind while you enjoy the great outdoors. If you have any questions about insuring your recreational vehicles or want to review your coverage options, reach out to one of our risk management advisors at Ochsner Insurance. You can call us at 775-261-1633 or click the link here.
Stay safe out there, and here’s to your success! Have a great day!